City centre redevelopment takes shape

Major progress is being made behind the scenes with plans to build new housing and business space at a development site in the heart of St Albans.

A number of works are now underway to prepare for the demolition of the city’s former police station and a nearby NHS clinic early next year.

This current phase is due to be finished by Christmas and includes a series of surveys. St Albans City and District Council is carrying out the transformational project after acquiring all the land.

As well as the police station and Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust’s health centre, the City Centre Opportunity Site (CCOS) South includes adjoining car parking spaces.

Planning permission has been obtained to build the mixed development on the site, including private and affordable housing. The council is now working on the plans to see how they can be further enhanced.

In the New Year, work will begin to remove asbestos, put up scaffolding and then demolish the two buildings.

Councillor Julian Daly, portfolio holder for commercial and development, said: “This is a multi-million redevelopment, the most ambitious the council has undertaken.

“It has been years in the planning and now the public will begin to see major changes with the dilapidated old police station and health clinic due to be demolished early next year.

“Before that can take place, however, a lot of preparatory work needs to be done and this is the stage we are now progressing.

“This is a very exciting development. There is no doubt it will greatly improve an area in the very heart of the city that has become rather rundown.”